Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

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Sautéed mushrooms, celery and garlic add flavor in this easy Buffalo chicken meatball recipe. Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch-style dressing for dipping, or make them into a Buffalo chicken meatball sandwich.

a recipe photo of the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Credit:

EatingWell

Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 stalk celery, sliced

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup very finely chopped carrot

  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot

  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 pound lean ground chicken

Directions

  1. Finely chop mushrooms, onion, celery and garlic in a food processor. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

  2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.

  3. Add breadcrumbs, carrot, cheese, hot sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper to the cooled vegetables; stir until combined. Add chicken and mix gently to combine (do not overmix). Form into 30 meatballs (a scant 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Bake the meatballs until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, about 15 minutes.

To make ahead

Freeze cooled baked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is ground chicken good for you?

    Ground chicken is simply chicken that’s been ground up. Lean ground chicken is typically made using just chicken breast, as opposed to including skin and dark meat. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein and other nutrients, including choline, vitamin B12, thiamin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.

  • Are mushrooms healthy?

    Mushrooms are loaded with nutrition, including fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants. Evidence suggests that eating mushrooms can calm inflammation in your body and boost gut health, both of which may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

  • What is the best cooking method for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

    The easiest way to cook meatballs is to bake them on a large rimmed baking sheet. You can bake 30 meatballs at once, making it perfect for meal-prep meals throughout the week. Lining the baking sheet with foil makes cleanup easier too.

  • How long should I cook the meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat?

    It’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to check for internal doneness. Bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F.

  • What are some recommended side dishes or dipping sauces to serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

    Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch-style dressing for dipping. Make them into Buffalo chicken meatball sandwiches or meatball wraps for lunch, or serve them over mashed sweet potatoes or in a casserole for dinner.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Jan Valdez

EatingWell.com, December 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

257 Calories
15g Fat
12g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 5 meatballs
Calories 257
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 22g 43%
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Vitamin A 139µg
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 7%
Folate 26µg
Vitamin K 10µg
Sodium 417mg 18%
Calcium 74mg 6%
Iron 2mg 9%
Magnesium 37mg 9%
Potassium 763mg 16%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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